Portugal's team doctor ruled the nation's hat-trick hero against Northern Ireland out of their friendly with the Selecao on Tuesday due to tendinitis

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's friendly with Brazil on Tuesday with injury following a match-winning and record-breaking performance on Friday.

The Seleccao skipper scored a hat-trick in their 4-2 win at Northern Ireland to prevent the nation's World Cup 2014 qualification hopes from crumbling and overtook striking legend Eusebio as the second-highest goalscorer in Portugal's history in the process.

Team doctor Henrique Jones admitted that the 28-year-old had been a doubt for the clash at Windsor Park due to tendinitis, but put himself through the pain barrier to help them to victory.

"Ronaldo has had a week of intense treatment, he made an enormous sacrifice and now he needs to rest," he told reporters.

The former Manchester United star revealed his own disappointment at missing the game via his personal Twitter account on Sunday.

He tweeted: "Hey #Boston fans, unfortunately I'm injured and I'll miss the game against Brazil. But thank you so much for your incredible support."

The result in Belfast kept Portugal on top of Group F of the European qualifying section with 17 points from their eight matches.

And the Real Madrid star's treble - Ronaldo's 41st, 42nd and 43rd goals for his country - moved him to just four behind Portugal's goalscoring record holder Pauleta.